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King Saul's son, in command of part of Israel's small army, had wiped out a garrison of the dominant Philistines. To put down this revolt, the Philistines massed a much larger, better-equipped army on Israel's border. Saul watched his demoralized soldiers begin deserting. Did the prophet Samuel's instructions (10:8) to wait for his arrival still make sense?

1 Samuel 13:3-14

1. From a military tactic perspective, was continued inaction a good option for Saul?
2. Was Saul's decision to proceed with battle preparations sound in light of his own resources? What other factor made it a deficient decision?
3. Doesn't the fact that Saul was making a pre-battle sacrifice indicate reliance on God?
4. Does Saul's explanation to Samuel of a spiritual rationale behind his decision strike you as plausible?
5. In what specific ways (2 Chronicles 13:10; 1 Samuel 15:22) had Saul disobeyed God's command?
6. What did Saul's impatience reveal about his ultimate reliance?
7. In what critical aspect did the "man after his own heart," whom God chose to replace Saul, differ from him (Psalm 40:1)?
8. How has God used delays to develop your trust?

Ask God for a trust so absolute that you can wait for Him to act without getting uptight.

3 Soon after this, Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba. The news spread quickly among the Philistines. So Saul blew the ram's horn throughout the land, saying, "Hebrews, hear this! Rise up in revolt!" 4 All Israel heard the news that Saul had destroyed the Philistine garrison at Geba and that the Philistines now hated the Israelites more than ever. So the entire Israelite army was summoned to join Saul at Gilgal. 5 The Philistines mustered a mighty army of 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore! They camped at Micmash east of Beth-aven.

6 The men of Israel saw what a tight spot they were in; and because they were hard pressed by the enemy, they tried to hide in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and cisterns. 7 Some of them crossed the Jordan River and escaped into the land of Gad and Gilead. Meanwhile, Saul stayed at Gilgal, and his men were trembling with fear. 8 Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn't come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away.

9 So he demanded, "Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!" And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. 10 Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, 11 but Samuel said, "What is this you have done?" Saul replied, "I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn't arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle.

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Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, to leash in my drive to make things happen and wait expectantly for Your move.

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